First, it was the dunk, then it was the three point shot, however one of the most underrated highlights that can occur in an NBA game is an emphatic blocked shot. A well-timed blocked shot can disrupt the opposing offense, deflate a home crowd, and even energize your own team. Here are some of the best shot blockers in NBA history.
Hakeem Olajuwon
Played from: 1984-2002
Hakeem Olajuwon, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, showcased his exceptional shot-blocking prowess throughout his illustrious career. He spent the majority of his NBA journey with the Houston Rockets, where he dominated the paint with his combination of size, agility, and timing. Olajuwon’s footwork was unparalleled, allowing him to swat away shots with finesse. His signature move, the “Dream Shake,” not only confounded opponents on the offensive end but also served as a tool to bait them into blocked shots. Olajuwon’s incredible defensive instincts and versatility made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 3,830
– Blocks per game: 2.6
– Block percentage: 4.1%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA champion (1994, 1995)
– NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995)
– NBA MVP (1994)
– 12-time NBA All-Star
– 9-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
– 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994)
Dikembe Mutombo
Played from: 1991-2009
Dikembe Mutombo, known for his iconic finger wag after blocking shots, was a dominant force in the paint during his NBA career. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches, Mutombo possessed an impressive wingspan and timing, which allowed him to swat away shots with ease. His defensive prowess was not limited to blocking shots; he was also an exceptional rebounder and intimidator, altering numerous shots simply by his presence in the paint. Mutombo’s shot-blocking ability earned him a reputation as one of the most feared defenders of his era.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 3,289
– Blocks per game: 2.8
– Block percentage: 4.1%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– 4-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)
– 8-time NBA All-Star
– 3-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
– 3-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team
– 2-time NBA rebounding leader (2000, 2001)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Played from: 1969-1989
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was not only an offensive juggernaut but also an exceptional shot blocker. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches, Abdul-Jabbar utilized his height and wingspan to his advantage, consistently swatting away shots and altering opponents’ attempts in the paint. His signature move, the skyhook, revolutionized the game, but it was his defensive presence that made him a complete player. Abdul-Jabbar’s shot-blocking ability was an integral part of his overall game, contributing to his tremendous success throughout his illustrious career.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 3,189
– Blocks per game: 2.6
– Block percentage: 3.0%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
– NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985)
– NBA MVP (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980)
– 19-time NBA All-Star
– 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team
– 4-time NBA blocks leader
Ben Wallace
Played from: 1996-2012
Ben Wallace, an undrafted player who carved out a remarkable career, showcased his shot-blocking prowess as the anchor of the Detroit Pistons‘ “Goin’ to Work” era. Known for his relentless defense, Wallace was an exceptional shot blocker despite standing at 6 feet 9 inches, relatively short for a center. His leaping ability, timing, and sheer determination enabled him to challenge and deny shots against taller opponents. Wallace’s defensive impact extended beyond his shot-blocking; he was an elite rebounder and a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the best defenders of his generation.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 2,137
– Blocks per game: 2.0
– Block percentage: 3.5%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA champion (2004)
– NBA Finals MVP (2004)
– 4-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006)
– 4-time NBA All-Star
– 5-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
– 6-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Tim Duncan
Played from: 1997-2016
Tim Duncan, widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, was also an exceptional shot blocker. Known for his fundamentally sound approach to the game, Duncan possessed remarkable defensive instincts and timing. Despite not relying on athleticism, he utilized his length and positioning to protect the rim effectively. Duncan’s shot-blocking ability was an integral part of the San Antonio Spurs’ defensive identity during his tenure, contributing to the team’s sustained success over the years.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 3,020
– Blocks per game: 2.2
– Block percentage: 3.4%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
– NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
– NBA MVP (2002, 2003)
– 15-time NBA All-Star
– 15-time All-NBA Team
– 8-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
Mark Eaton
Played from: 1982-1993
Mark Eaton, a towering presence at 7 feet 4 inches, established himself as one of the premier shot blockers of his era. Spending his entire NBA career with the Utah Jazz, Eaton anchored the team’s defense with his exceptional shot-blocking ability. His remarkable height and wingspan made it incredibly difficult for opponents to score in the paint, and he led the league in blocks four times during his career. Eaton’s intimidating presence and shot-altering abilities earned him two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and a reputation as one of the most dominant rim protectors in NBA history.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 3,064
– Blocks per game: 3.5
– Block percentage: 7.5%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1989)
– 5-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
– 4-time NBA blocks leader
– NBA All-Star (1989)
Dwight Howard
Played from: 2004-present
Dwight Howard burst onto the NBA scene as a dominant shot blocker during his early years with the Orlando Magic. Blessed with tremendous athleticism and explosive leaping ability, Howard quickly established himself as one of the most feared defenders in the league. His combination of size, strength, and agility made it incredibly challenging for opponents to score around the rim. Howard won three consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011, showcasing his defensive prowess and shot-blocking dominance during that stretch.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 2,277 (as of 2021)
– Blocks per game: 1.9 (as of 2021)
– Block percentage: 3.0% (as of 2021)
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA champion (2020)
– 8-time NBA All-Star
– 5-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
– 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011)
– NBA blocks leader (2009, 2010)
Alonzo Mourning
Played from: 1992-2008
Alonzo Mourning, known for his intensity and tenacity on the defensive end, was a force to be reckoned with as a shot blocker. Throughout his career, Mourning displayed a relentless pursuit of the ball, swatting away shots with authority. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, he used his athleticism, timing, and wingspan to disrupt opponents’ attempts at the rim. Mourning’s shot-blocking ability, coupled with his defensive instincts and leadership, played a significant role in his successful tenure with the Miami Heat.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 2,356
– Blocks per game: 2.8
– Block percentage: 5.4%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA champion (2006)
– 7-time NBA All-Star
– 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999, 2000)
– 2-time NBA blocks leader
– NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999)
Marcus Camby
Played from: 1996-2013
Marcus Camby, a versatile and agile big man, established himself as one of the premier shot blockers in NBA history. Known for his exceptional timing and shot-blocking instincts, Camby’s defensive impact was evident throughout his career. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches, he possessed the ability to guard multiple positions and alter shots from all areas of the court. Camby’s shot-blocking prowess earned him the NBA Defensive
Player of the Year award in 2007, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite defenders.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 2,331
– Blocks per game: 2.0
– Block percentage: 5.6%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
– 4-time NBA blocks leader
– NBA All-Defensive First Team (2007)
– NBA rebounding leader (2007)
Shaquille O’Neal
Played from: 1992-2011
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his dominant presence on both ends of the court, was not only an offensive force but also an effective shot blocker. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing over 300 pounds, O’Neal’s sheer size and strength allowed him to swat away shots with ease. Although he was primarily known for his scoring and rebounding, O’Neal’s shot-blocking ability was a vital aspect of his game. His intimidating presence in the paint disrupted countless opponents’ shots throughout his career.
Career Statistics:
– Blocks: 2,732
– Blocks per game: 2.3
– Block percentage: 2.3%
Accomplishments and Accolades:
– NBA champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
– NBA Finals MVP (2000, 2001, 2002)
– NBA MVP (2000)
– 15-time NBA All-Star
– 3-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team
These ten players have etched their names in NBA history through their exceptional shot-blocking abilities. From their intimidating presence to their impeccable timing, they have left a lasting impact on the defensive end of the game. Their contributions not only altered the trajectory of shots but also influenced the strategies of opposing offenses. Through their unique skill sets and defensive prowess, these shot blockers have made indelible marks on the sport of basketball.
